What are the definitions of “drag in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To mention or introduce something unrelated or unnecessary.
He seemed determined to drag in irrelevant details about my personal life.
- 2Involve someone in a situation or conversation they do not want to be a part of.
I don’t know anything about the project, so don’t try and drag me in.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drag in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drag in is to mention or introduce something unrelated or unnecessary in a conversation or situation. It can also mean involving someone in a situation or conversation they do not want to be a part of.
What are the different verb forms of “drag in”?
| Root Verb | drag in |
| Third Person Singular Present | drags in |
| Present Participle | dragging in |
| Simple Past | dragged in |
| Past Participle | dragged in |
Example
She always drags in her personal problems during meetings.
Example
He drags in unrelated topics during discussions.
Example
They are dragging in unnecessary details into the conversation.
Example
Yesterday, she dragged in her personal issues during the team meeting.
Example
He had dragged in irrelevant information during the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drag in”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“drag in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She dragged in her personal problems during the meeting.
Example
He dragged me in the argument even though I didn't want to be involved.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“drag in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She dragged in her personal problems during the meeting.
Example
He dragged me in the argument even though I didn't want to be involved.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drag in”?
Drag someone/something in by the hair
To force someone or something into a situation or conversation in a very obvious and unwelcome way.
Example
He dragged in the topic by the hair, making everyone uncomfortable.
Drag oneself in
To arrive somewhere, especially when tired or unwilling.
Example
After a long day at work, she dragged herself in and collapsed on the couch.
Drag in one's heels
To be slow or reluctant to do something.
Example
He's been dragging in his heels on finishing the project.
Good things to know
Does “drag in” have an informal or formal tone?
Drag in is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, drag in is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
